Joe Denly to miss second ODI with 'small strain' - but no major damage to opener's knee

Joe Denly will miss England's second NatWest Series match against Australia at Lord's.

Denly's injury to his left knee has been diagnosed, however, as a 'small strain' - an encouraging outcome so far, after the England opener had to be carried off the Oval when he landed awkwardly during a warm-up football match on Thursday.

It was no surprise when the 23-year-old missed the first of seven one-day internationals against Australia today - and his absence from Lord's on Sunday was largely anticipated too, following scans on his injury.

An England and Wales Cricket Board statement this afternoon reported: 'Further assessment of scans have revealed no major structural damage to Joe Denly's injured left knee.

'Joe has suffered a small sprain to the knee and will continue to receive treatment over the next 48 hours before undergoing a further assessment early next week, which will determine a recovery timescale.

'He has been ruled out of England's second NatWest Series ODI at Lord's on Sunday.'